Replies

1. 
   Chris_Koehn | May 29, 2001 07:19pm | #1

   *
   Peter- good luck in your search. I happened to find two pair some time ago, which I just installed as a sliding partition between two rooms. a few thoughts:

   My wife used to run store planning and construction for a large mid-western department store (Boston Store). They were remodeling their headquarters, and ripped out 2 original elevators (ca 1890) and were going to throw then out. We got them for nothing. The suckers weigh 200+ pounds each slab- they are cast iron wrapped with 1/8" brass w. solid brass caning and filligris. Beautiful. Perhaps look for old buildings which are/will be under construction, and check public bid lists (often at blueprint shops).

   I went to lengths to hang them. The original hanger bolts were still on the doors, but not the track or mechanism. I finally found that Johnson Hardware (219)293-5664 makes a heavy duty pocket door line, their 1500 series. Expensive ($400 for all four doors including track) but got the job done. I turned the old hanger bolts down on a lathe to fit the new trolleys. Salvage the old track and trolleys if you can (assuming you want to slide it- if not your on your own!).

   I was in Salvage 1 in Chicago a few months ago and they had a few elevator doors around. Not as nice as mine, but I just got lucky.. Not sure if you came across them in your web search of not- certainly the biggest source in the mid-west at least..

1. 
   Peter_Crowl_ | May 29, 2001 08:05pm | #2

   *Wow - those sound awesome!I'd be happy with 50's or 60's vintage. I want them to be automatic so that when the button is pushed, there's a few second delay and the doors open - into the guest bathroom off the new pantry.Scrounging is half the fun!Peter

1. 
   Chris_Koehn | May 30, 2001 07:28pm | #3

   *Sounds like you need more than just the doors. A commercial demo/remodel is the thing to look for I bet. Might be hard to come by the mechanism, as often 'vators of that vintage are just rehabbed, new doors and faces, etc. If my experience is somewhat universal (and I believe it is..) you will need a heck of a mechanism to move these things. They are heaaavy.

1. 
   Peter_Crowl_ | May 30, 2001 07:36pm | #4

   *That's what I'm finding out. It looks like I may need to get the sill and header etc. as new parts then use pull out doors with a mechanism I'll need to produce. It'll be worth it when done though!Peter

1. 
   Rein_Taul | May 31, 2001 04:37am | #5

   *For what it is worth, our local big wrecking company is Teperman. I don't know if they have a website, but here's one more for your search!

2. 
   Ralph_Wicklund | May 31, 2001 05:22am | #6

   *Have you tried the Blue Book?http://www.thebluebook.com/cl/all1700.htmOr these guys?http://www.milwbuildingtrades.org/Directory/elevator_doors.htmMaybe this set is still available.http://www.p4a.com/itemsummary/54978.htmOr maybe this one.http://www.caldwell-bldg-salvage.com/caldwell.whatsnew.htmlHow much money you got??

3. 
   Peter_Crowl_ | May 31, 2001 06:30am | #7

   *Ralph - Thanks for the reply - yours too Rein!While I'm in Denver now I'm from M'waukee (the password is bubbler) which it seems you are too!I've found that elevator companies seldom have entire assemblies. If they replace doors they use the same header, sill, actuator etc. I need to find a demolition company that is pulling one out. Your link to the Blue Book was great. I sent messages to a bunch of demo contractors in LA - none listed in my region and I have a friends in LA - so we'll see what develops. I'll try Chicago too. Like they say on X-FIles - they're out there!Those door links were nice as well, but the Brass doors have got to be way out of my league. I can use plain later model doors - I'd like fancy but to answer your question - money is an issue:~)Thanks againPeter

2. 
   Peter_Crowl_ | May 31, 2001 06:30am | #8

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   I'm looking for a used elevator door - the lobby side not the cab door. Must be complete and workable. The older the better.
   I've been searching the web under all the salvage and demolition titles I can think of - no luck. Even tried Ebay!
   I'll be trying the elevator installers as well but thought I'd ask here for any thoughts.
   Thanks
   Peter